BIAB vs gel: which is right for you?
BIAB and gel polish both give a glossy, long-lasting finish, but they behave quite differently on the nail. Here is how to choose the one that suits your nails and your routine.
Two finishes doing two different jobs
It is easy to assume BIAB and gel polish are the same thing in different pots, but they are built for different reasons. Gel polish is all about colour and shine, while BIAB, short for Builder In A Bottle, is a strengthening overlay that supports the natural nail. Once you know which job you need doing, the choice becomes much clearer.
What gel polish does best
Gel polish is your go-to for pure colour and high shine. It cures glassy and smooth, comes in an enormous range of shades and typically lasts two to three weeks. If your natural nails are healthy and you simply love a neat, glossy colour, this is the one. Gel polish on the hands is £37.
Where BIAB shines
BIAB is a soft builder gel that adds a thin, flexible layer of strength across the nail. It is the treatment we reach for when nails are weak, peeling or struggling to grow, because it protects the natural nail underneath while length grows out. A BIAB set is £37, infills every three to four weeks are £37, and a longer five-week set is £45.
So which should you choose?
If your nails are strong and you enjoy switching up your colour, gel polish gives you the most freedom. If your nails feel soft, bend easily or keep splitting before they can grow, BIAB is the kinder, more supportive option. Neither is better overall, they simply solve different problems.
Can you have both?
You can, and plenty of our clients do. A BIAB base gives you strength and a smooth canvas, then gel colour goes on top for the shade you fancy. It is a lovely way to grow out fragile nails without giving up on a proper manicure.
Still not sure which suits you? Book in and we will take a proper look at your natural nails first, then recommend the finish that will serve you best.
